Sauber in no rush to confirm driver line-up

Sauber insist that they are in no rush to secure either Sergio Perez or Kamui Kobayashi to deals for next season.

Sauber’s driver line-up for the 2013 season is completely in the air for two different reasons.

While Sergio Perez has impressed this season, he has become the target of two other teams in the paddock according to various media reports.

While Kobayashi’s form in 2012 has been less impressive. The Japanese driver is 30 points behind Perez in the F1 World Championship, despite both drivers finishing in the points on six occasions this season.

But while Kobayashi’s best finish this season has been a fourth place in Germany, Perez has stood on the podium three times, with two second place finishes and one third.

That has left Kobayashi’s future in limbo.

‘In real terms there is no deadline, Naturally there are a few key dates when it would be helpful for the development [of the car] if one knew who the drivers would be. But I believe we are still some way away from that.’ Sauber CEO Monisha Kaltenborn told Autosport Magazine.

Sergio Perez has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with a move to Ferrari for 2013.

The Mexican driver is part of Ferrari’s young driver programme and was always going to be part of the rumours of who could replace Felipe Massa for next season.

But even after Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo stated that he lacked the experience to drive for Ferrari, the media haven’t halted in their speculation. While other media outlets believe McLaren may well have approached Perez in case they lose the battle with Mercedes for Lewis Hamilton’s service.

‘The speculation is no distraction.’ She added. ‘It is interesting that when one of our drivers has a good race the speculation starts; when he does not, nobody talks about it. Thus we always know exactly when the speculation will start.’

In regards to Kamui Kobayashi he was giving nothing away regarding his future, telling reporters: ‘I have no idea. I don’t know, I’m happy with this year’s job and with myself. Of course I’ve had a lot of bad luck, but usually I think this can happen. But we are improving, we are getting strong and we are getting results. But for next [year], I have no idea.’